On bike to help kids

Inspired: Tatura icon John Ryan will settle in the saddle for an 80km bike ride in support of Give Me 5 For Kids.

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Tatura icon John Ryan is clipping in the cleats in support of Give Me 5 For Kids.

Despite high chances of a strong headwind and some rain along the way, Mr Ryan will tackle an 80km bike ride this Sunday in a bid to raise funds for the charity.

‘‘It started on Triple M with Seany (Cullen) on the breakfast show — he threw the challenge out to me about doing something for Give Me 5 For Kids, so I decided that I’d do this bike ride,’’ Mr Ryan said.

Making a start from Tatura, Mr Ryan will ride through Byrneside, Merrigum, Lancaster, Kyabram, Tongala, Falcon and Echuca before reaching his final destination — the Moama RSL Club.

‘‘We’re going to go through the towns, hopefully a few people will throw in a few bob.’’

Having personally battled cancer before, Mr Ryan said he knew what it was like to face health struggles.

He said in doing the fundraiser he would contribute toward seeing more equipment purchased for the children’s ward at Goulburn Valley Health in the hope that children and families would have access to all necessary treatment right here in Shepparton.

‘‘It’s bad enough having a sick kid, without having to take the poor kid to Melbourne, so if we can get a bit of equipment here in Shepp and it saves them all that I think it’s well worth it.’’

With just days left before the lengthy ride, Mr Ryan said he was keeping in mind the worthy cause while he kicked it up a notch in preparation.

‘‘I’m in full training mode now,’’ he said.

‘‘I did 38km the other day and I was buggered, so I’ve got a little bit more to do yet, but hopefully I’ll be right.’’

Having received a number of generous donations in the lead up to the ride, Mr Ryan encouraged others to get on board in supporting the worthy cause.

‘‘The people have got onto it — it’s been terrific,’’ he said.

‘‘All donations are very much accepted and very much appreciated.’’

He said with every cent donated going directly to the hospital he hoped to hand over a minimum of $1500.

‘‘I don’t know what we’ll end up with, but I’d like to get about $1500 and then anything above that’s a bonus,’’ he said.